the gift of brothers

Brothers. What would life be without them? Calmer? Maybe. Certainly boring. Sometimes we talk about brothers like they're aliens sent for our sanctification. In reality they're a precious gift. I can't imagine life without my little-and not so little-brothers.
Sometimes they are incomprehensible. Other times you look over and know exactly what he's thinking, causing you to burst into laughter at seemingly nothing. Bros know how to push your buttons just right till you get mad-but in such a way that you're laughing to hard to do much about it. They make incessant fun of you for getting upset; but in doing so remind you that it really doesn't matter in light of eternity. They hate to see you sad and will do anything to cheer you up. They can't find anything: They'll stand in the middle of a room saying "I can't find it" until you walk in and see it somewhere obvious. They're always willing to help you with something technical. They teach you more than you ever wanted to know about guys. If you try to explain how girls think, you get a blank stare of confusion. Later they surprise you by doing exactly what you need when you need it. (making you wonder how much they know and don't let on to...) They give you the ability to laugh hysterically at your friends from all-female-families. They break into a wrestling match in the middle of your room, create an authentic-looking war zone.

There is a point to this gushy rambling. J, (my not so little brother) is 14. He'll be driving next year! I remember when he was just a toddler, happily following me into whatever trouble I found. He's becoming a God-honoring guy. I can't wait to see how God uses him. He has stuck with the piano 4 years and never given up. He's a better artist than I could ever hope to be. He's got good rhythm--fools around on the drum set in the garage and gets a good beat going. When I take him somewhere, he's willing to stick up for me in any situation. He can be thoughtful. He's quite creative--in such a completely different way from me that his insight brings a perspective I'd never think of.
I want to thank him for being such a great "little" brother. After all, I'M STILL TALLER!! 2inches may not seem like much but it counts.

Happy Birthday. I love you. Thanks for all the laughter-and sanctification- you've given us. I'm proud of you (maybe in a few years we'll have a youth band...at least a pianist...i'm counting on you)

~still the kangaroo


{off to find a present. aaacck!}